Blank capable of forming a container having rounded corners

ABSTRACT

A packaging blank capable of forming a display sleeve or container having rounded corners comprises in one embodiment a front panel, a rear panel, a first and second side panel, a first and second top panel, a first and second bottom panel, a first and second recess bridge panel, a pair of dust flaps, a plurality of glue release sections, a series of scores, and a plurality of cut and score lines. The packaging blank provides a partially constructed flat container that is capable of being formed into a container having rounded corners and a recessed bottom structure that automatically extends and locks upon final construction of the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application hereby claims the benefit of the following commonlyassigned provisional patent applications: U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/550,428, for Blank Capable of Forming aStackable Sleeve, filed Mar. 5, 2004; U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/577,315, for Blank Capable of Forming aContainer Having Rounded Corners, filed Jun. 4, 2004; and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/599,986, for Blank Capable ofForming a Container Having Rounded Corners, filed Aug. 9, 2004. Thisapplication incorporates entirely by reference these provisionalapplications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO COMMONLY ASSIGNED APPLICATIONS

This application also incorporates entirely by reference commonlyassigned and concurrently filed application Ser. No. ______ for BlankCapable of Forming a Stackable Container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a packaging blank. In particular, the inventionrelates to a packaging blank capable of forming a display sleeve or“container” having rounded corners. The invention also relates to apackaging blank capable of forming a container having rounded cornersand a recessed bottom. The invention further relates to a containerformed from the blank having rounded corners and a recessed bottom thatautomatically forms upon the partial construction of the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As known to those skilled in the art, packaging is typically formed frompackaging blanks, or blanks for short. It will be understood that asused herein the term “blank” may include cardboard, rigid paper,flexible plastic, or similar products made of paperboard or plastic. Inparticular, the packaging industry favors the use of one-piece flexibleblanks, which are readily incorporated into automated processes forforming sleeves.

Today, the construction of packaging blanks into sleeves, and thesubsequent insertion of products to be packaged in the sleeve, ismanaged in the product manufacturers' facilities. Manufacturers employautomated equipment that is capable of folding the blank to form acontainer, inserting the product into the container, sealing thecontainer, and then shipping the container by various means oftransportation. For example, manufactures use in-line processes foraccomplishing the steps of folding, inserting, sealing, and shipping asdescribed above. Thus there is a need for providing a packaging blankthat is capable of being formed into a container in automated processes.

Limited shelf space requires that manufacturers and storeowners maximizeshelf space for displaying products. Containers that conform to theshapes of the articles stored therein are preferred because they allowthe storeowner to maximize useable shelf space. Further, blanks capableof forming shaped containers (e.g., containers having rounded corners)permit the manufacturer to package articles more efficiently. Forexample, a container having rounded corners permits the manufacturer topackage more efficiently articles having a substantially circular shape,thereby increasing manufacturing and packaging efficiencies. Thus, it isfurther desirable to provide a packaging blank capable of forming acontainer having rounded corners.

Still further, is desirable to provide a substantially rectangularcontainer having rounded corners, whereby the rounded corners facilitatethe handling of the container by consumers.

In a related aspect, it is also desirable to provide an aestheticallypleasing container, wherein the container includes gradually roundedcorners, as opposed to harsh right angles.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a blanksuitable for use in automated processing.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a blank that iscapable of forming a sleeve having rounded corners.

A further object of the invention is to provide a packaging blankcapable of forming a sleeve that promotes manufacturing and packagingefficiencies.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a container havingrounded corners that facilitates handling by a consumer and thatpromotes an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The invention meets these objectives with a packaging blank capable offorming a container (also referred to as “sleeve”) having roundedcorners. In particular, the invention is a packaging blank and acontainer having a body panel, a first top panel connected to an upperedge of the body panel, a second top panel connected to an upper edge ofthe body panel and spaced apart from the first top panel, a first bottompanel connected to a lower edge of the body panel, and a second bottompanel connected to a lower edge of the body panel and spaced apart fromthe first bottom panel.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention and themanner in which the same are accomplished will become clearer based onthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sleeve formed from a preferredembodiment of the blank.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the sleeve formed from a preferredembodiment of the blank.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the sleeve takenalong lines 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of a preferred embodiment of the sleevetaken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the sleeve aspartially constructed yet capable of being formed into a substantiallyrectangular container having rounded corners.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the sleeve taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 1illustrating the packaging of articles therein.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the blank.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the sleeve.

FIG. 9 is top plan view of the sleeve taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 8illustrating the packaging of articles therein.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of theblank that is capable of forming the sleeve in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thesleeve.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the sleeve taken along lines 12-12 of FIG.11 illustrating the packaging of articles therein.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of theblank that is capable of forming the sleeve in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of theblank.

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of a sleeve formed from the blank in FIG.14 illustrating the packaging of articles therein.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thesleeve.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the sleeve taken along lines 17-17 of FIG.16 illustrating the packaging of articles therein.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of theblank that is capable of forming the sleeve in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thesleeve.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the sleeve taken along lines 20-20 of FIG.19 illustrating the packaging of articles therein.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of theblank that is capable of forming the sleeve in FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of thesleeve.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the sleeve taken along the lines 23-23 ofFIG. 22 illustrating the packaging of articles therein.

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of theblank that is capable of forming the sleeve in FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodimentof the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

As used herein, the term “panel” is used in conjunction with thepackaging blank of the present invention and refers to sections of theblank. With reference to the orientation of the blank in FIG. 7, it willbe understood that the term “width” refers to a distance measured fromthe leftmost portion of the blank to the rightmost portion of the blank.Further, it will also be understood by those of skill in the art that asused herein, the concept of a panel being “between” two other panelsdoes not necessarily imply that the three panels or flaps are contiguous(i.e., in intimate contact). Rather, as used herein, the concept of onepanel being between two other panels is meant to describe the relativepositions of the panels within the blank structure, respectively. Itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms “sleeve”and “container” as used herein refer to various embodiments of thepresent structure for retaining a variety articles as formed from thevarious embodiments of the blank described below. Thus the terms“sleeve” and “container” may be used interchangeably.

Similarly, the concept of a first panel being connected to a secondpanel by a third panel, “opposite” the second panel, merely describesthe relative positions of the first and second panels within the blankstructure. It will further be understood that the term “finished” meanscoated with a material to produce an attractive glossy finish. The term“finished” will also be understood to mean the inclusion of printedmaterial or other identifying indicia (e.g., a company's logo). Thoseskilled in the art will also appreciate that panels include edgesdefined as the line of intersection of two surfaces or a border.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the term “score”refers to a crease along which the adjacent elements of the blank arefolded without cracking or breaking to form a sleeve or container. Itwill also be understood by those skilled in the art that the term“cut-score” refers to an impression formed by a cutting tool (e.g., apunch, die, or blade) that extends partially through a sheet ofpaperboard or the like. It will be understood by those skilled in theart that the term “perforations” refers to a series of holes orimpressions formed by a cutting tool (e.g., a punch or die) that permitseasy separation of, for example, panels. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the term “combo rule” or “cut and score” refers to aseries of alternating impressions formed by a cutting tool and creasesformed by a rule that facilitate the folding of panels. With respect toembodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 7, 10, 13, 14,18, 21, and 24, the cut and score lines permit the folding of a blank toform a substantially flat container that is capable of being formed intoa substantially rectangular container. Those skilled in the art willalso appreciate that the term “glue release section” refers to a portionof, for example, a panel to which an adhesive is applied such thatanother panel can be secured against the panel having the glue releasesection and bearing the adhesive.

It will also be understood that the term “substantially rectangular” and“substantially trapezoidal” is meant to succinctly describe simplegeometric shape approximating a rectangle and trapezoid, respectively.Similarly, the term “substantially parallel” is meant to describe thespatial relationship between, for example, one edge of a panel toanother edge of a panel, wherein the relationship is approximatelyparallel.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term “adjacent”refers to two or more, for example, panels, that have a common border orare in close proximity to one another. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that adjacent may or may not imply contact, but alwaysimplies the absence of anything of the same kind in between.Furthermore, as used herein, it will be understood that the term“article” will refer primarily to consumer products that are packagedfor shipment (e.g., consumables, bottles, cans, etc.). It will beunderstood, however, that “article” may also refer to any number ofgoods such as individually packaged consumables for humans and animals,as well as individually packaged non-consumables.

It will also be understood that the term “automatic” and “automatically”refers to elements of the blank and container that are self-acting orself-regulating mechanisms. For example, the automatic bottom structureof the blank and container is formed when the blank is partiallyconstructed into a container. Subsequently, the automatic bottomstructure forms into a completed recessed bottom structure upon finalconstruction of the partially constructed container formed from theblank.

An overall view of a preferred embodiment of a packaging blank 10 whichincorporates features of the present invention is set forth in FIG. 7.As illustrated in FIG. 7, the packaging blank 10 includes a body panel11, a first top panel 12 (also referred to as inner top panel) connectedto an upper edge of the body panel, a second top panel 13 (also referredto as outer top panel) connected to an upper edge of the body panel, afirst bottom panel 14 (also referred to as outer bottom panel) connectedto a lower edge of the body panel 11, and a second bottom panel 15 (alsoreferred to as inner bottom panel) connected to a lower edge of the bodypanel. The body panel 11 is comprised of a front panel 16, a rear panel17, first side panel 18, first panel section 19 of a second side panel21, and a second panel section 20 of the second side panel 21.

The blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 also provide a first recess bridgepanel 25, a second recess bridge panel 26, a pair of dust flaps 27, anda plurality of glue release sections 28. A tab lock 29 may also beprovided on the second top panel 13. Further, the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42,43, 44, 45 further provide a slot 30 in the first top panel 12, a firstglue tab 35 of the first bottom panel 14, and a second glue tab 36 ofthe second bottom panel 15. The second bottom panel 15 may also providea slot 37 as described in further detail below.

In a preferred embodiment of the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, aseries of scores 38 are provided in the front panel 16, rear panel 17,first side panel 18, and first and second panel sections 19, 20 of thesecond side panel 21. Still further, preferred embodiments of the blanks10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 may provide a plurality of cut and scorelines 39 in the recess bridge panels 25, 26 first side panel 18, andfirst and second panel sections 19, 20 of the second side panel 21.Advantageously, the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 are capable offorming a variety of containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 havingrounded corners 59.

Having identified a majority of elements of the present invention, adetailed description of their positioning and functionality follows. Thefront panel 16 is connected to the first side panel 18, and the rearpanel 17 is connected to the front panel by the first side panel. Thefirst panel section 19 is connected to the rear panel 17 opposite thefirst side panel 18, and the second panel section 20 is connected to thefront panel 16 opposite the first side panel. The substantiallyrectangular first top panel 12 is connected to an upper edge of the rearpanel 17 and the substantially rectangular second top panel 13 isconnected to an upper edge of the front panel 16. As configured, thesecond top panel 13 is spaced apart from the first top panel 12.

The first recess bridge panel 25 is connected to the rear panel 17opposite the first top panel 12, and the second recess bridge panel 26is connected to the front panel 16 opposite the second top panel 13. Thefirst bottom panel 14 is connected to the rear panel 17 by the firstrecess bridge panel 25. The first bottom panel 14 preferably includessubstantially rounded corners. The second bottom panel 15 is connectedto the front panel 16 by the second recess bridge panel 26. As depictedin FIGS. 7, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, and 24, the first and second bottompanels 14, 15 are spaced apart from one another.

It will be understood that preferred embodiments of the first and secondbottom panels 14, 15 are substantially rectangular in shape, yet includerounded corners. Thus, the first and second bottom panels 14, 15 ofFIGS. 7, 10, 21, and 24 appear somewhat more rectangular in appearancethat the first and second bottom panels 14, 15 of FIGS. 13, 14, and 18.Although the first bottom panels 14 of FIGS. 7, 10, and 13 include lesssurface area that the bottom panels of FIGS. 14, 18, 21, and 24, it willbe understood that term substantially rectangular aptly describes theoverall appearance of the bottom panels as a result of the shapeconnoted by the rounded corners.

In each embodiment of the blanks 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, the secondbottom panel 15 and second glue tab 36 define a slot 37. As illustratedin alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 14, 18, 21, and 24, the firstbottom panel 14 and first glue tab 35 define a slot 46. In similarfashion, the second bottom panel 15 and second glue tab 36 of the blanks42, 43, 44, 45 in FIGS. 14, 18, 21, and 24 define a slot 37, althoughsomewhat larger than the slot 37 appearing in blanks 10, 40, 41 (seeFIGS. 7, 10, and 13). The larger slots 37 of blanks 42, 43, 44, 45promote ease of construction of the containers 14, 18, 21, 24 formedfrom the blanks 42, 43, 44, 45. The increased surface area of the firstbottom panel 14 in blanks 42, 43, 44, 45 ensures the structuralintegrity of the containers 52, 53, 54, 55. In other words, the blanks42, 43, 44, 45 provide containers 52, 53, 54, 55 having a structurallyenhanced bottom panel as compared to the blanks 10, 40, 41. Referring toFIGS. 7, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, 24, the first glue tab 35 of the firstbottom panel 14 is connected at a free edge of the first bottom panelsuch that only one edge of the first bottom panel is adjacent to thefirst glue tab.

As depicted in FIGS. 7, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, and 24, the body panel 11 issubstantially rectangular and includes a series of scores 38. The scores38 are substantially parallel to one another and extend from portions ofthe body panel 11 adjacent to the first and second top panels 12, 13 toportions of the body panel adjacent to the first and second bottompanels 14, 15. Preferably the scores 38 extend from an upper edge of thebody panel 11 to a lower edge of the body panel. Further, the body panel11 may be a one-piece flexible blank 10 formed from paperboard.

Accordingly, the front panel 16, rear panel 17, first side panel 18,first and second panel sections 19, 20 of the second side panel 21 arefoldable along the series of scores 38 formed in the blank 10. Inparticular, the scores 38 facilitate the folding of the first side panel18 and first and second panel sections 19, 20 toward the rear panel 17and the front panel 16, respectively, during construction of the blanksinto the sleeves. Further, the series of scores 38 in the front panel16, rear panel 17, first side panel 18, and first and second panelsections 19, 20 of the second side panel 21 facilitate the formation ofrounded corners 59 (also referred to as radius corners) uponconstruction of the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. The scores 38may be formed by perforations or similar indentations sufficient topermit the folding of the first side panel 18 and first and second panelsections 19, 20 to form the second side panel 21 of the container.

The first and second bottom panels 14, 15 and the first and secondrecess bridge panels 25, 26 of the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 ofFIGS. 7, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, and 24 are constructed to form a recessedbottom structure 58 (see FIG. 5). The recessed bottom structure 58 ofthe containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is also referred to as atwo-tab automatic bottom or recessed two-tab automatic bottom structureas discussed herein. The bottom structure 58 automatically forms uponfinal construction of the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55.

Specifically, the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 are formed intopartially constructed containers by folding the first and secondsections 19, 20 of the second side panel 21 inwards towards one anotherand then adhering the sections together. Next, the first recess bridgepanel 25 is folded against and secured to the rear panel 17 such thatthe first bottom panel 14 is substantially perpendicular to the rearpanel. Stated differently, the first recess bridge panel 25 is foldedagainst and secured to the rear panel 17 and the first bottom panel 14is folded along the cut and score lines 39 between the first bottompanel and the first recess bridge panel. In similar fashion, the secondrecess bridge panel 26 is folded against and secured to the front panel16 such that the second bottom panel 15 is substantially perpendicularto the front panel.

The first and second bottom panels 14, 15 of the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42,43, 44, 45 are then connected by and secured to one another. Morespecifically, the first and second bottom panels 14, 15 are broughttogether such that the first glue tab 35 of the first bottom panel 14overlaps portions of the second bottom panel 15 and the second glue tab36 of the second bottom panel overlaps portions of the first bottompanel. In this fashion, the slot 37 formed in the second bottom panel 15receives a portion of the first bottom panel 14—and specifically thefirst glue tab 35—to form the automatic bottom structure 58 of thecontainers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. The partially constructedcontainers are then folded flat for shipment such that the bottomstructure 58 (i.e., first and second bottom panels 14, 15 and first andsecond recess bridge panels 25, 26) are folded against the interiorsurfaces of the front and rear panels 16, 17 as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 10, the series of cut and score lines 39 in the firstside panel 18 and second panel section 20 of the second side panel 21permit the folding of the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 intopartially constructed substantially flat containers. The cut and scorelines 39 are substantially parallel to one another and extend fromportions of the body panel 11 adjacent to the first and second toppanels 12, 13 to portions of the body panel adjacent to the first andsecond bottom panels 14, 15. Preferably the cut and score lines 39extend from an upper edge of the body panel 11 to a lower edge of thebody panel. Advantageously, the flat containers are capable of beingformed into substantially rectangular containers. The series of cut andscore lines 39 in the first and second recess bridge panels 25, 26 andcut and score lines 39 in the first and second bottom panels 14, 15permit the folding and subsequent opening of the bottom structure 58(see FIGS. 4 and 5).

Advantageously, the folding of the first and second recess bridge panels25, 26 against the rear and front panels 17, 16, respectively, providefor a recessed bottom panel wherein the automatic bottom structure 58 isspaced inward of the edges of the front and rear panels, and the edgesof first and second side panels 18, 21. The recessed configuration ofthe automatic bottom structure 58 enhances the structural integrity ofthe containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 as compared to knowncontainers. The recessed configuration further permits the bottomstructure 58 to sag under increased loads while preventing packagedarticles 22 from exiting the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55.

As described, any one of the substantially flat partially constructedcontainers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 may then be constructed and filledwith a variety of articles 22 by the article manufacturer. For example,the article manufacturer may insert a plunger device into the interiorspace of the container to thereby advance the automatic bottom structure58 downward. The downward advancement of the automatic bottom structure58 forms a substantially planar surface that is substantiallyperpendicular to the front panel 16, rear panel 17, and side panels 18,21 of the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. Advantageously, thebottom structure 58 automatically locks into position to form the bottomof the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55.

With reference to the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, at least one ofthe first and second bottom panels 14, 15 and at least one of the firstand second top panels 12, 13 are preferably rectangular (see FIGS. 7,10, 13, 14, 18, 21, 24). The rectangular shape of these panels 12, 13,14, 15 in conjunction with the substantially rectangular shape of therear panel 17 and front panel 16 ensures the substantially rectangularshape of the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. As known to thoseskilled in the art, a rectangular shaped container is preferred forshipping and stacking purposes.

Nevertheless, it will be understood that the rear panel 17, front panel16, first side panel 18, and first and second panel sections 19, 20 ofthe second side panel 21 are not limited to a rectangular shape and maybe trapezoidal or triangular in shape. It will also be understood thatthe first and second bottom panels 14, 15 and first and second toppanels 12, 13 are not limited to a rectangular shape and may betrapezoidal in shape.

The blank 10 also includes an external planar side 32 and an internalplanar side 31 as shown in FIG. 10. For advertising and promotionalconsiderations, the external planar side 32 is preferably finished(i.e., includes printed material or related identifying indicia).

The preferred embodiments of the blanks 10, 40 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 alsoprovides a tab lock 29 connected to the second top panel 13 opposite thefront panel 16. The tab lock 29 promotes the opening and secure closingof the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. A preferred tab lock 29 issubstantially rectangular, but it will be understood that the tab lock29 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for example,trapezoidal in shape. The blanks 10 and 40 depicted in FIGS. 7 and 10may also include a tab 33 of the first top panel 12.

The first top panel 12 may also provide a slot 30 that is configured toreceive at least a portion of the tab lock 29 when the blank 10 isformed into the sleeve. The slot 30 is positioned adjacent to a freeedge of the first top panel 12. Thus, the sleeve can be opened byraising the first and second top panels 12, 13 and then closed bylowering the first top panel 12 and second top panel 13, respectively,and inserting the tab lock 29 into the slot 30.

The blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 also include a pair of dust flaps27 connected to upper edges of the first side panel 18 and the secondpanel section 20. In a preferred embodiment, the dust flaps 27 aresubstantially rectangular, but it will be understood that the dust flapsare not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be trapezoidal in shape.

A preferred embodiment of the dust flaps 27 define glue release sections28, wherein the glue release sections are preferably oval in shape (seeFIG. 7). The glue release sections 28 secure the first top panel 12 tothe dust flaps 27 with, for example, an adhesive, when the blanks 10,40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 are formed into the containers 49, 50, 51, 52,53, 54, 55. As configured, external portions of the blanks are separatedfrom the dust flaps 27 when the first and second top panels 12, 13 areseparated from each other and the container is opened (i.e., when thefirst and second top panels of the container are raised).

As briefly described above, another aspect of the present inventionincludes sleeves or containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 formed fromthe packaging blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 (see FIGS. 1, 8, 11, 16,19, and 22). The majority of the elements of the containers are thoseembodied in the blanks. For the sake of a complete and accuratedescription, those elements are described below.

A preferred embodiment of the sleeve formed from the blanks 10, 40, 41,42, 43, 44, 45 include first and second bottom panels 14, 15, first andsecond side panels 18, 21, a rear panel 17, a front panel 16, and firstand second top panels 12, 13. The container is preferably formed from aone-piece flexible blank 10 formed from paperboard. It will beunderstood that the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 include atleast one top panel and at least one bottom panel, but may include anynumber of panels that cooperate to seal the container. Further, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that any number of known mechanismsfor releasably engaging one or more top panels may be incorporated intothe invention.

The bottom panels 14, 15 preferably include substantially roundedcorners. The first and second side panels 18, 21 are secured torespective opposing edges of the bottom panels 14, 15 such that thefirst and second side panels 18, 21 define substantially parallelplanes. The first and second side panels 18, 21 and portions of thefront panel 16 and rear panel 17 include a series of scores 38. It willbe understood that respective portions of the first side panel 18, andfirst panel section 19 and second panel section 20 of the second sidepanel 21, form the first and second side panels 18, 21 of the sleeveupon construction.

The rear panel 17 of the sleeve is connected to the first bottom panel14 and to respective opposing edges of the first and second side panels18, 21. The rear panel 17 of the sleeve includes a series of scores 38.The front panel 16 of the sleeve is connected to the second bottom panel15 and to respective opposing edges of the first and second side panels18, 21. As constructed, the front panel 16 and rear panel 17 definesubstantially parallel planes.

The front panel 16 may also include a series of scores 38. The series ofscores 38 in the first and second side panels 18, 21, the rear panel 17,and the front panel 16 facilitate the formation of rounded corners 59 inthe container. The top panels 12, 13 are positioned opposite the bottompanels 14, 15 and releasably connect the rear panel 17 and the frontpanel 16.

As constructed, the bottom panels 14, 15 are positioned inwardly of theedges of the first side panel 18, second side panel 21, rear panel 17,and front panel 16. Stated differently, the bottom panels 14, 15 arerecessed relative to the edges of the side panels 18, 21, rear panel 17,and front panel 16.

The top panels 12, 13 are connected at one edge to the rear and frontpanels 16, 17, respectively, and are positioned opposite the bottompanels 14, 15. As configured, the top panels 12, 13 and bottom panels14, 15 define substantially parallel planes, thereby defining a portionof the enclosure formed by the first and second side panels 18, 21 andtop and bottom panels 12, 13.

In the preferred embodiment, the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55consist essentially of a one-piece flexible blank 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45having an external planar side 32 and an internal planar side 31,wherein the external planar side is finished.

Preferably, the first and second side panels 18, 21, rear panel 17, andfront panel 16 of the containers are substantially rectangular asillustrated in FIGS. 1, 8, 19, and 22. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that in alternative embodiments the side panels 18, 21 arerounded (i.e., bow outwardly from the interior compartment of thecontainer) to define rounded corners 59 as illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12,15, 16, and 17.

The containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 further include a first recessbridge panel 25 and a second recessed bridge panel 26. The first recessbridge panel 25 is secured to the rear panel 17 and connects an edge ofthe first bottom panel 14 to the rear panel 17. The second recess bridgepanel 26 is secured to the front panel 16 opposite the first recessbridge panel 25. The second recess bridge panel 26 connects an edge ofthe second bottom panel 15 to the front panel 16 opposite the edge towhich the rear panel 17 is connected to the first bottom panel 14.

In like fashion with respect to the blanks, the first and second toppanels 12, 13 and first and second and bottom panels 14, 15 of thecontainer are substantially rectangular. The substantially rectangularshape of these panels, in conjunction with the substantially rectangularshape of the rear panel 17, front panel 16, and first and second sidepanels 18, 21, ensures the substantially rectangular shape of thecontainer. The first and second top panels 12, 13 and first and secondbottom panels 14, 15 of the preferred embodiment of the containerlikewise include substantially rounded corners, thereby facilitating theformation of a container having rounded corners 59.

Nevertheless, it will be understood that the rear panel 17, front panel16, first side panel 18, and second side panel 21 are not limited to arectangular shape and may be trapezoidal or triangular in shape. It willalso be understood that the first and second top panels 12, 13 and firstand second bottom panels 14, 15 are not limited to a rectangular shapeand may be trapezoidal in shape.

The preferred embodiment of the sleeve also provides a tab lock 29connected to one of the top panels 12, 13, and preferably to the secondtop panel 13. The tab lock 29 promotes the opening and secure closing ofthe sleeve and releasably engages a slot 30 provided in the first toppanel 12. A preferred tab lock 29 is substantially rectangular, but itwill be understood that the tab lock 29 is not limited to a rectangularshape, and may be, for example, trapezoidal in shape.

The sleeve further provides a pair of opposing dust flaps 27 connectedto respective opposing edges of the first and second side panels 18, 21.The dust flaps 27 are preferably rectangular and positioned adjacent tothe top panels 12, 13.

A preferred embodiment of the dust flaps 27 define glue release sections28, wherein the glue release sections are preferably oval in shape (seeFIG. 7). The glue release sections 28 secure the first and second toppanels 12, 13 to the dust flaps 27 with, for example, an adhesive, whenthe blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 are formed into the containers 49,50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. As configured, external portions of the blanks,and specifically external portions of first and second top panels 12,13, are separated from the dust flaps 27 when the first and second toppanels are separated from each other and the container is opened (i.e.,when the first and second top panels of the container are raised).

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typicalembodiments on the invention and, although specific terms have beenemployed, they have been used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being setforth in the following claims.

1. A packaging blank that is capable of forming a container, said blankcomprising: a substantially rectangular body panel having a series ofscores that facilitate the folding of said blank into a container; asubstantially rectangular first top panel connected to an upper edge ofsaid body panel; a substantially rectangular second top panel connectedto an upper edge of said body panel, said second top panel spaced apartfrom said first top panel; a first bottom panel connected to a loweredge of said body panel, said bottom panel having substantially roundedcorners; and a second bottom panel connected to a lower edge of saidbody panel, said second bottom panel having substantially roundedcorners, said second bottom panel spaced apart from said first bottompanel; wherein said blank is capable of forming a container havingrounded corners.
 2. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein saidbody panel comprises: a first side panel; a front panel connected tosaid first side panel, said front panel positioned between said secondtop panel and said second bottom panel; a rear panel connected to saidfront panel by said first side panel, said rear panel positioned betweensaid first top panel and said first bottom panel; a first panel sectionof a second side panel connected to said rear panel opposite said firstside panel; and a second panel section of said second side panelconnected to said front panel opposite said first side panel.
 3. Apackaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said series of scores insaid body panel are substantially parallel to one another and extendfrom portions of said body panel adjacent to said first top panel andsaid second top panel to portions of said body panel adjacent to saidfirst bottom panel and said second bottom panel.
 4. A packaging blankaccording to claim 1, wherein: said second top panel defines a tab lockpositioned opposite the edge of said second top panel to which said bodypanel is connected; and said first top panel defines a slot forreceiving a portion of said tab lock.
 5. A packaging blank according toclaim 1, wherein said first bottom panel is substantially rectangular.6. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said second bottompanel is substantially rectangular.
 7. A packaging blank according toclaim 1, further comprising: a first recess bridge panel connected tosaid body panel opposite said first top panel, said first recess bridgepanel connecting said first bottom panel to said body panel; and asecond recess bridge panel connected to said body panel opposite saidsecond top panel, said second recess bridge panel connecting said secondbottom panel to said body panel.
 8. A packaging blank according to claim7, wherein said first and second bottom panels, and said first andsecond recess bridge panels, form a recessed bottom structure in apartially constructed container formed from said blank.
 9. A packagingblank according to claim 7, wherein said first and second bottom panels,and said first and second recess bridge panels, form a recessed bottomstructure that automatically forms upon final construction of said blankinto the container.
 10. A packaging blank according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a first glue tab connected to a free edge of said firstbottom panel opposite said body panel; and a second glue tab connectedto a free edge of said second bottom panel opposite said body panel,said second bottom panel and said second glue tab defining a slot.
 11. Apackaging blank according to claim 1, further comprising: a first gluetab connected to a free edge of said first bottom panel opposite saidbody panel, said first bottom panel and said first glue tab defining aslot; and a second glue tab connected to a free edge of said secondbottom panel opposite said body panel, said second bottom panel and saidsecond glue tab defining a slot.
 12. A packaging blank according toclaim 1, further comprising a pair of dust flaps connected to upperedges of said body panel, said dust flaps spaced apart from one another.13. A packaging blank according to claim 1, further comprising aplurality of cut and score lines in said body panel, said cut and scorelines facilitating the folding flat of a partially constructed containerformed from said blank.
 14. A packaging blank according to claim 14,wherein said cut and score lines are substantially parallel to oneanother and extend from portions of said body panel adjacent to saidfirst top panel and said second top panel to portions of said body paneladjacent to said first bottom panel and said second bottom panel.
 15. Apackaging blank that is capable of forming a container, said blankcomprising: a first side panel; a front panel connected to said firstside panel; a rear panel connected to said front panel by said firstside panel; a first panel section of a second side panel connected tosaid rear panel opposite said first side panel; a second panel sectionof said second side panel connected to said front panel opposite saidfirst side panel; a substantially rectangular first top panel connectedto an upper edge of said rear panel; a substantially rectangular secondtop panel connected to an upper edge of said front panel; a first bottompanel connected to said rear panel opposite said first top panel; and asecond bottom panel connected to said front panel opposite said secondtop panel; wherein said blank is capable of forming a container havingrounded corners and a recessed bottom panel.
 16. A packaging blankaccording to claim 15, wherein said first bottom panel is substantiallyrectangular.
 17. A packaging blank according to claim 15, wherein saidsecond bottom panel is substantially rectangular.
 18. A packaging blankaccording to claim 15, wherein said first and second bottom panelsinclude substantially rounded corners.
 19. A packaging blank accordingto claim 15, wherein: said second top panel defines a tab lockpositioned opposite the edge of said second top panel to which saidfront panel is connected; and said first top panel defines a slot forreceiving a portion of said tab lock.
 20. A packaging blank according toclaim 15, further comprising: a first recess bridge panel connected tosaid rear panel opposite said first top panel, said first recess bridgepanel connecting said first bottom panel to said rear panel; and asecond recess bridge panel connected to said front panel opposite saidsecond top panel, said second recess bridge panel connecting said secondbottom panel to said front panel.
 21. A packaging blank according toclaim 20, wherein said first and second bottom panels, and said firstand second recess bridge panels, form a recessed bottom structure in apartially constructed container formed from said blank such that saidrecessed bottom structure automatically forms upon final construction ofsaid blank into the container.
 22. A packaging blank according to claim15, further comprising: a first glue tab connected to a free edge ofsaid first bottom panel opposite said rear panel; and a second glue tabconnected to a free edge of said second bottom panel opposite said frontpanel, said second bottom panel and said second glue tab defining aslot.
 23. A packaging blank according to claim 15, further comprising: afirst glue tab connected to a free edge of said first bottom panelopposite said rear panel, said first bottom panel and said first gluetab defining a slot; and a second glue tab connected to a free edge ofsaid second bottom panel opposite said front panel, said second bottompanel and said second glue tab defining a slot.
 24. A packaging blankaccording to claim 15, further comprising: a series of scores in saidfront panel, said rear panel, said first side panel, and said first andsecond panel sections of said second side panel, said scoresfacilitating the folding of said blank into a container; and a pluralityof cut and score lines in said first side panel, said first panelsection, and said second panel section, said cut and score linesfacilitating the folding flat of a partially constructed containerformed from said blank.
 25. A packaging blank according to claim 24,wherein: said series of scores are substantially parallel to one anotherand extend from portions of said body panel adjacent to said first toppanel and said second top panel to portions of said body panel adjacentto said first bottom panel and said second bottom panel; and said cutand score lines are substantially parallel to one another and extendfrom portions of said body panel adjacent to said first top panel andsaid second top panel to portions of said body panel adjacent to saidfirst bottom panel and said second bottom panel.
 26. A container havingrounded corners, said container comprising: at least one bottom panelhaving substantially rounded corners; first and second side panelssecured against respective opposing edges of said bottom panel, saidfirst and second side panels defining substantially parallel planes andhaving a series of scores; a rear panel connected to said bottom paneland to respective opposing edges of said first and second side panels,said rear panel having a series of scores; a front panel connected tosaid bottom panel and to respective opposing edges of said first andsecond side panels, said front panel having a series of scores, saidfront panel and said rear panel defining substantially parallel planes;and at least one top panel releasably connecting said rear panel andsaid front panel, said top panel positioned opposite said bottom panel;wherein said series of scores in said first and second side panels, saidrear panel, and said front panel facilitates the formation of roundedcorners in said container.
 27. A container according to claim 26,wherein said bottom panel is positioned inwardly of edges of said firstand second side panels, said rear panel, and said front panel.
 28. Acontainer according to claim 26, further comprising: a first recessbridge panel secured to said rear panel, said first recess bridge panelconnecting an edge of said bottom panel to said rear panel; and a secondrecess bridge panel secured to said front panel opposite said firstrecess bridge panel, said second recess bridge panel connecting an edgeof said bottom panel to said front panel opposite the edge to which saidrear panel is connected.
 29. A container according to claim 28, whereinsaid bottom panel and said first and second recess bridge panels form arecessed bottom structure, said recessed bottom structure facilitatingthe folding flat of a partially constructed container for shipment suchthat said bottom structure is folded inwardly against interior surfacesof the said front panel and said rear panel.
 30. A container accordingto claim 28 wherein said bottom panel and said first and second recessbridge panels form a recessed bottom structure that automatically formsupon final construction of said container.
 31. A container havingrounded corners, said container comprising: a first bottom panel havingsubstantially rounded corners; a second bottom panel havingsubstantially rounded corners, portions of said first and second bottompanels connected to one another; first and second side panels securedagainst respective opposing edges of said first and second bottompanels, said first and second side panels defining substantiallyparallel planes and having a series of scores; a rear panel connected tosaid first bottom panel and to respective opposing edges of said firstand second side panels, said rear panel having a series of scores; afront panel connected to said second bottom panel and to respectiveopposing edges of said first and second side panels, said front panelhaving a series of scores, said front panel and said rear panel definingsubstantially parallel planes; a first top panel connected to said rearpanel, said first top panel positioned opposite said first and secondbottom panels; and a second top panel connected to said front panel,said second top panel cooperating with said first top panel toreleasably connect said rear panel and said front panel, said second toppanel positioned opposite said first and second bottom panels.
 32. Acontainer according to claim 31, wherein said first and second bottompanels are positioned inwardly of edges of said first and second sidepanels, said rear panel, and said front panel.
 33. A container accordingto claim 31, wherein said series of scores in said first and second sidepanels, said rear panel, and said front panel facilitates the formationof rounded corners in said container.
 34. A container according to claim31, further comprising: a first recess bridge panel secured to said rearpanel, said first recess bridge panel connecting an edge of said firstbottom panel to said rear panel; and a second recess bridge panelsecured to said front panel opposite said first recess bridge panel,said second recess bridge panel connecting an edge of said second bottompanel to said front panel opposite the edge to which said rear panel isconnected to said first bottom panel.
 35. A container according to claim34, wherein said first and second bottom panels, and said first andsecond recess bridge panels, form a recessed bottom structure, saidrecessed bottom structure facilitating the folding flat of a partiallyconstructed container for shipment such that said bottom structure isfolded inwardly against interior surfaces of the said front panel andsaid rear panel.
 36. A container according to claim 34, wherein saidfirst and second bottom panels, and said first and second recess bridgepanels, form a recessed bottom structure that automatically forms uponfinal construction of said container.